COUNCIL chiefs have been accused of denying an Aberystwyth butcher the chance to expand his business after awarding a fresh meat contract to a Pembrokeshire butcher.
Penparcau butcher Paul Jones said he competed for a contract to supply fresh meat to the county council in the north of the county, but lost out after Narberth butchers A J Rees & Sons Ltd won the contract across the border for the south and north of Ceredigion.
Mr Jones told the Cambrian News he had “lost a bit of heart” after putting hours of work into bidding for the contract, only to be turned down.
The contract, worth tens of thosands of pounds, was to supply between 28 and 30 council-run establishments in north Ceredigion, including schools, colleges and offices.
“A lot of work went into it and I don’t know the exact reasons I didn’t get it,” said Mr Jones.
“I am disappointed about it to be honest, especially as I had plans to expand my business.”
He added: “Of course, the council should be supporting businesses in this county, and they have not given me the exact reasons for it.
“I should have chased it up really, but I just lost a bit of heart.”
Mr Jones said he was surprised he didn’t get the contract because he was certain his was the cheaper offer and that his standing in the community and among businesses in Aberystwyth was particularly high.
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